Frustrated with Berghoff Catering

gorchosbrown

Hello everyone,

Not sure how to go about this, but I wanted to know if anyone had experience with Berghoff Catering. I tried searching for it on the boards, but have come up with nothing.

My fiance and I are too unhappy with our sales rep for the company. Unlike the reps from other companies, she hasn't told us one offer or incentive to sign. Maybe that's a company issue, but still.

She also wasn't very prompt in her emails/calls. It still takes her a few days to revise our proposals with different prices. The other company we've looked into, it only took a few hours (if that). She's been trying to work with us and our budget, but she'll type one cost and then on our proposal, put another (of course the one on proposal is much higher).

 Our budget is around $15,000, which might be a lot compared to some knotties, but perhaps it's too small an amount for this company. Hence why I'm asking if anyone has had experience with them.

Due to the location of our ceremony/reception, we have to choose from a set list of caterers and unfortunately, Berghoff is one of the "cheapest." 

Is there any way we can go back to Berghoff and ask for a different sales rep or something to that nature. I hate to be mean, but we really think we'd be more satisfied with their service if we had a different representative. 

Aye aye aye.

If anyone can help out with sage wisdom and/or advice, I would be eternally grateful.

xoxo

kreopolo

The catering will end up being by far the biggest expense. 15K isn't chump change, and they should be treating you better, especially since you're considering hiring them! I feel like if it doesn't feel right, don't sign the contract. Check the other caterers that your venue allows.
We contacted Berghoff, but they were too expensive for us. We spent around 11K on our catering through Hearty Boys, for about 120 people. Depending on your number of people, 15K should absolutely be doable for most of the caterers I've seen. (Everyone I contacted was able to do it for around 15K or less for 120 people... Berghoff, Limelight, Hearty Boys, J and L, I don't even remember whoelse.)

babywolf77

Look around! We are in the South Suburbs and got our Caterer WAYYYYYYYY cheaper for 130! There are lots of options and if you are not being treated right, find one that treats you better, or at least that you feel better about!

MrsMLRB

Have your already signed with the venue for your reception? If not, I would find somewhere else if you are unsatisfied.

gorchosbrown

Thanks everyone! I thought I was just being irrational or asking for too much. We haven't officially signed with our location, but we really really really have our hearts set on it. It's just so beautiful and different and just... fabulous. Plus, the social events supervisor at our location is amazing. She's absolutely wonderful.

I'm looking into Limelight, although they seem kinda pricey... well, they all do. If it were up to me, I'd serve hot dogs and deep dish pizzas.

Again, thanks to you all for answering.

MrsV2B2011

Is Levy Events an option for the venue?  They are wonderful and they treat you like a million bucks no matter how much you spend.

arrabelle

i'm sorry.  all i can say is i feel your pain.  our budget is similar - you'd think any company these days would jump at a $15,000 sale!  but, i had a really difficult time getting any calls/emails back when we first started planning.

we lucked out since our venue doesn't have a "list".  so, we went out of city limits and booked with polonia - family style dinner, appetizers, and rentals for our original budget for 200 people.  plus they were more responsive than the caterers in the city.  of course - now that polonia has our deposit (only 200 bucks but still) - they're not calling us back either.  but, our wedding is a year away and i know they're communicating with the venue.

if you're set on berghoff's, maybe try to call back and speak with a manager to help you salvage the situation and get on track.  otherwise, i agree with pp's, go elsewhere.  no place will be perfect but you shouldn't feel like you need a project manager to hunt down your vendors when you should be happily engaged!

aye aye aye is right sister!

enteringparadise

Hummm it sounds like if they are the cheapest caterer that you can use at your location you might have to look elsewhere. I also recommend going down in person and figuring it all out in person so there is no question and get it all in writing. Just set up an appointment to address your concerns and maybe this will help eliminate any worries you have with them.